This is a JBR tinned tobacco, reserved for only "top shelf" JBR blends. Folks, this is indeed "top shelf," and for several reasons. First, because JBR wanted to make a good first impression with this new blend, they obviously used the finest Virginia leaf available. My pipe club absolutely loved the stuff! Tasty, cool, slow-burning and sweet smelling, Diplomat was diplomatic indeed, embracing just about everyone with its fresh, clean taste. Oh, and it is inexpensive compared to some of its blue blooded brothers. Another plus! Nice job JBR!!!
This is a nice straight Virginia. Very honest and straightforward. The leaf appears to be of a good quality, and it packs and burns well.
I found nothing special about this particular tobacco, just a pleasant Virginia flavor. Smoked very slowly, it won?t bite. Besides, it tastes better that way anyway. I prefer a bit heartier of a smoke, but I would not take this one entirely off the list.
Another McClelland Virginia, branded by JBR. I don't know who makes the other blends in this series, but that wonderful/terrible (depending on your orientation) McClelland vinegar tin aroma is a dead give-away. I'm always eager to try anything that McClelland makes, but this wasn't so hot - then again, it smoked VERY hot. The flavor was slight, the bite was big, and hardly a hint of the McClelland creamy/toasty elements could be found.
My hunch is that this blend was rushed into production for JBR so that they could release it at the NYC show that I attended, which coincided with the release of a massive advertising campaign. The tobacco tastes very young. I have put it into a mason jar where it will remain for a year or two before I try it again. It could become quite tasty, but it isn't yet.
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